The Guardian’s climate forum 2026

While governments continue to invest in fossil fuels and delay policy changes that would reduce emissions, making small changes in our routines can feel … not enough. However, there are plenty of impactful things we can all do to help tackle the crisis.

Shaped by the extensive survey of asking our readers on what solutions and ideas they think deserve deeper exploration, this landmark event will focus on practical action. Through expert-led conversations with our invited activist, climate and environmental groups, you’ll learn how to start a group, launch listening campaigns, and participate in local schemes and established activist networks, as well as the current global environment landscape and what areas need our most urgent support.

Join our panel of experts, chaired by the Guardian’s columnist Zoe Williams; and including Gareth Thomas, chief executive of National Biodiversity Network Trust; Asad Rehman, chief executive of Friends of the Earth; Amy Fairman, head of campaigns, River Action; Shruti Suresh, director of campaigns, Global Witness and Katie White MP, Labour MP for Leeds North West and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero).

Andrew Haines, professor of Environmental Change and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Chief Scientific Advisor of the pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, will also join us to deliver a special keynote on recommendations on Climate and Health.

Plus, by purchasing a ticket and attending this event – and all our Guardian Live events – you’re directly supporting the Guardian. This helps us continue our quality, independent reporting on the environment, and curate more interactive events such as this.

You can join this event in-person at Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR, or via the livestream. Tickets are £35 to attend the event in person, or £15 to watch it online. See tickets for further details.

EVENT AGENDA

In conversation: Policy, politics and public action
Katie White MP in conversation with Damian Carrington
A conversation on the UK’s path to Net Zero, the role of government and public policy, and how citizen engagement can help deliver meaningful climate action.

Panel discussion: The state of the environment
Chair: Damian Carrington
Speakers: Gareth Thomas (National Biodiversity Network Trust), Asad Rehman (Friends of the Earth), Shruti Suresh (Global Witness), Amy Fairman, head of campaigns, River Action
An expert discussion exploring the biggest environmental challenges facing the UK and globally, where progress is being made, and how governments, organisations and communities can accelerate change.

Interval

Keynote: Climate and health – The case for urgent action
Professor Andrew Haines, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; Chief Scientific Advisor, Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health
A keynote examining the growing impacts of climate change on public health, the opportunities presented by climate solutions, and why urgent action is needed.

From ideas to action: Building change in your community
All speakers
A practical session focused on turning concern into action, with advice on starting local climate or nature groups, working with councils, supporting biodiversity, running effective campaigns and getting involved in existing initiatives.

Audience Q&A: Ask the experts
An interactive opportunity to put your questions to the panel on local action, campaigning, overcoming barriers and creating lasting impact in your community.

Closing remarks
Damian Carrington
Key takeaways from the day, practical resources and next steps for anyone looking to make a difference.

Details

This event has now passed. Be the first to know about our upcoming events by signing up to our newsletter here.

Date: Tuesday 20 October 2026
Times: 7.30pm-9.30pm (BST)
Or see this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.
Location: Royal Geographical Society, London, SW7 2AR or join via the livestream
Accessibility: Royal Geographical Society is wheelchair accessible. For detailed access information for the venue, please see their website here. If you have any access requirements you are eligible for 1 x free companion ticket, to notify us of this and your requirements, please email customer.help@theguardian.com

If you miss this live event, a recording will be sent to you. It will be available for four weeks so you can catch-up or revisit the event in your own time.

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